Mighty Fortress
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. “ Proverbs 18:10
I am tired.
Tired of Covid. Tired of masks while teaching. Tired of kids shouting. Tired of siblings disparaging one another. Tired of not responding in grace. Tired of working really hard and it not being enough. Tired of missing people when communicating. Tired of the political divide. Tired of not doing things right. Anyone else tired? My list could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
Lately, I have found myself crying out to Jesus more than I’d like to admit. Because shouldn’t things be easier? I’m striving for this sense of arrival, peace, contentedness, of “how things use to be”, but what is that? Why is that? Proverbs 18:10 has been quietly echoing in my heart and mind lately, specifically the word “runs” - how can I run (I actually run!) if I’m so tired?
But then the obvious hits me - not literally Mia - but spiritually, mentally, emotionally and relationally. Jesus wants me to run to him for safety. And I am not alone.
Hebrews 10:23-25
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
**good works = not to do more or works to save you but rather a natural reflection of the salvation that you have been granted by Him
As we move toward being entrusted with this beautiful building, God has given me this vision “The Church is a Strong Tower and He is the Mighty Fortress, let all who are tired come running into it to Him for safety”! The Church is not just a building, it is His people too. God wants to use His tired and imperfect people. He has placed eternity and goodness and perfection in our hearts and that is why we want and hope for it on this side of heaven and so for that reason we cannot give up and for this reason we need each other, His Church. We can’t do it alone.
In this cultural moment, how do we run into the Mighty Fortress? Especially when it’s the last thing the world thinks to do. How can we, the tired Church some days, show the world how desperately we are running to the Strong Tower -and finding safety for our souls? Not for any other reason than to find Him. The world needs Him. Maybe you are in place where you need Him, maybe you don’t want Him, maybe you have been looking and can’t find Him or maybe you are somewhere in between. Wherever you are, He is there with you. May you feel fully loved by Him and your soul fully rested in Him this Advent season.
Psalm 46
God Is Our Fortress
[1] God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
[2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
[3] though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
[4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
[5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
[6] The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
[7] The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
[8] Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
[9] He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
[10] “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
[11] The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
—Mia Ernst